After an early-bird breakfast at Machame Camp, there is an hour climb to the top of the forest, then a 2-hour trek at a gentler incline through the moorland zone. You will rest while eating lunch and continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. From your vantage point, due west of Kibo, you will see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. It’s just another short hike before reaching the Shira campsite at 12,600 ft. Your porters will again prepare drinking and washing water, as well as dinner. This exposed camp will be even colder than last night, with temperatures well below freezing. But we suspect you are well prepared for them.
Hiking time: 6 hrs. / Distance: 5.6 miles Habitat: Moorland
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp (Shared Camp)

The five-hour walk east, through semi desert and rocky landscape, will end at Lava Tower, over 15,000 ft. up. Along the way, there will be lunch, then the ascent of the rocky scree path to the Tower. It is normally around this point that some climbers start to experience breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. No doubt, this is the most challenging day so far. Now the climb descends, and the benefit of acclimatization becomes clear. The two-hour descent to Barranco Camp covers 2,230 ft. and with it, comes the chance to photograph the magnificent Western Breach and Breach Wall. Tonight’s camp is in a valley below them and sunset will, be spectacular. Eat hearty and reward yourself for today’s efforts with rest.
Hiking time: 7 hrs.  |   Distance: 9.3 miles  |  Habitat: Semi desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Shared Camp)

This morning, you make your way up the great Barranco Wall, a totally awesome sight. This imposing obstacle usually turns out to be an easier climb than what you anticipate. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, it will provide a pivotal moment: you will be struck at how gorgeous Kilimanjaro really is. The route now heads down through Karanga Valley and joins the Mweka route, the preferred path down from the summit. Karanga is the last water stop on the climb; there is no available water at Barafu Hut, which you will reach after another hour or so. Barafu is Swahili for “ice” and the reason why will be no secret. This is a bleak, inhospitable spot to spend the night, totally exposed to the ever- present gales. Tents are pitched on a ridge that’s narrow, stony and dangerous. Climbers are advised to familiarize themselves with it before dark. The summit is 4,412 ft. up and you will begin your ascent tonight. Thorough preparation is non-negotiable; you will concern yourself with your equipment, ski stick, thermal clothing, headlamp and camera batteries and a thermal flask to keep water from freezing. By 7 pm, you should be in bed, focused on rest despite your adrenaline.
Hiking time: 7 hrs.  |  Distance: 8.1 miles   |  Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Shared Camp)

This is the moment — your summit attempt. You will rise around 11:30 pm of Day 6 and after tea and biscuits, shuffle off into the night, ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this leg is the most mentally and physically challenging. When you stop to rest after six hours, you will be at 18,651 feet and if the gods are with you, there will be a life-defining sunrise! After a short rest here, begin the two-hour ascent to the summit, expecting snow all the way. We wouldn’t dare describe the moment when you stand at the highest point in Africa — you will write your own script for the experience. The walk down to Barafu will take 3 hours; here you will take a well-earned, but short rest, collect your gear, and then head down to Mweka at 10,170 ft. The descent is not difficult, but the camp is situated in the upper forest where mist and rain are likely in late afternoon. We suspect you will savor dinner this evening and your exhausted, exhilarated frame of mind!
Ascent time: 8 hrs. to Uhuru Peak | Descent time: 7-8 hrs. to Mweka  |
Distance: 4.3-mile ascent, 14.3 mile descent   |  Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Shared Camp)